Enlarged pores are one of the most common problems. The pores, being the ducts of the sebaceous glands, perform a protective function, fighting pathogenic flora and protecting the dermis from germs and bacteria. However, if the rules of facial care are violated or cosmetics are used too intensively, sebum, mixing with dust and other contaminants, clogs the ducts. This leads to the appearance of comedones, blackheads and inflammation.
Clogged pores lead to disruption of the oxygen supply to epidermal cells, which also negatively affects the appearance. The skin becomes dull, loses its natural color and elasticity.
The main task is not so much to cleanse the pores as to reduce their size. And cosmetic masks can cope with this. Most of them can be made at home using inexpensive ingredients. At the same time, they will be effective and efficient.
Causes of enlarged pores
A competent fight against enlarged pores lies not so much in the use of products, but in finding out the factors that precede this.
The main reasons for the expansion of sebaceous ducts are:
- hormonal imbalances due to puberty, pregnancy or as a result of taking a course of hormonal medications;
- improper skin care;
- excess decorative cosmetics on the face;
- unbalanced diet (consumption of large amounts of sugars and fats);
- disruption of the normal secretion of the sebaceous glands;
- influence of UV rays;
- heredity;
- metabolic disorder;
- age.
Environmental factors, climatic conditions (temperature changes, humidity), and disruption of the digestive tract are also important. Enlarged pores are often found in people with a predisposition to rosacea.
Home care methods to tighten pores
Regular cleansing and proper care of problem skin prone to enlarged pores are essential elements to eliminate this problem.
Therefore, in addition to attending special cosmetic sessions, you need to devote time to home treatments. This is easy to do because there are many home recipes that can be used to reduce the size of pores.
Homemade scrubs
Homemade scrubs provide effective deep cleansing of the skin in general and pores in particular. With their help, comedones and sebaceous plugs are eliminated, so these care products may well become an alternative to mechanical cleaning of pores.
Homemade scrubs to tighten pores
Scrubbing should be done on previously washed facial skin. You should contact him no more than twice a week; the procedure is quite traumatic. Be sure to consider the individual degree of sensitivity of your skin to abrasives. It is not recommended to treat the skin with scrubs in the presence of rosacea, wounds and purulent pimples.
Recipe 1: Honey scrub.
Honey is often used in home skin care due to its beneficial properties. For the scrub, mix 1 tablespoon each of honey, sugar and a little lemon juice. Apply the mixture evenly to the face and massage the skin in light circular movements, paying special attention to problem areas. Rinse off the scrub with warm water.
Recipe 2: Soda Scrub
Regular baking soda is an excellent disinfectant and reduces inflammation; it regulates the pH balance of the skin and gently removes impurities and dead cells.
A scrub of baking soda and warm water is prepared in a 1:1 ratio; the resulting mixture is more like a liquid paste of low abrasiveness. Gently apply it to areas with enlarged pores and gently massage for a couple of minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water.
Masks
Due to the fact that enlarged pores occur in both oily and dry skin types, you need to select the right ingredients. Otherwise, the mask may even worsen the skin condition. When carried out regularly
For oily skin, there are more options for masks, since their main task is to reduce the production of sebum and tighten the skin, thereby visually narrowing the pores.
Homemade masks to tighten pores
Recipe 1: White clay mask
White clay is suitable even for sensitive facial skin. Thanks to its structure, it literally absorbs sebum, while simultaneously saturating the skin cells with minerals. The skin becomes smooth, pores are less noticeable.
You will need 0.5 tablespoon of white clay powder, 1 teaspoon of lemon or aloe juice. You can also simply dilute with water. Apply the mixture to your face with light massage movements. Leave for 15 minutes. Cosmetologists do not recommend leaving the mask until the clay has completely dried. It is better to either cover it with plastic wrap or periodically spray water on your face.
Rinse off the mask thoroughly and moisturize your face with cream.
Recipe 2: Egg white mask
Egg white helps tighten the skin, increase tone and remove fat blockages from the pores. The effect of the mask will be almost instantaneous, so this option can be used as an express mask before special occasions.
You will need to beat the white of 1 egg until foamy, mix it with 1.5 tablespoons of lemon juice and the same amount of ground oatmeal. The mixture will turn out to be liquid; it is better to apply it with a silicone mask brush. Leave the mask on for half an hour, during which time it is better not to move and lie on your back. Rinse off only with cool water, otherwise the protein will begin to coagulate. After the procedure, moisturize your face with cream.
Recipe 3: Cucumber mask
Those with oily skin are well aware of cucumber lotion, which dries out spot inflammations and tightens pores.
You can make your own cucumber juice by grating 1 cucumber and squeezing it through a sieve or cheesecloth. Mix the juice 1 to 1 with corn flour so that there are no lumps. Apply the paste to your face for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
Dry skin does not have an oily sheen, but enlarged pores also look unaesthetic. For this type of skin, masks are needed that soften and draw out impurities from the pores without tightening.
Recipe 4: Oatmeal mask
Oatmeal or flour softens the skin and tones it. By combining oatmeal and sour cream or butter, you can create a nourishing and at the same time cleansing mask with the effect of narrowing pores.
To do this, pour 2 tablespoons of oatmeal or ground oatmeal with 4 tablespoons of boiling water. Leave to steam for half an hour, then squeeze out the liquid. Mix the grounds with sour cream or olive oil and apply the resulting mixture evenly to your face. Rinse off with warm water after 20 minutes. If you feel tightness, moisturize with a non-greasy cream.
Lotions, compresses and tonics
Toning is an important stage of daily care, which prepares already cleansed skin for the application of moisturizer. Homemade recipes for tonics and lotions are mainly based on herbal infusions; compresses are also made from herbs or the pulp of vegetables and fruits.
Life hack 1: Tomato compress
Substances contained in tomatoes help reduce fat, shrink pores and lighten pigmentation. Prepare the tomato pulp and apply it to the skin, cover with cling film for 20 minutes.
Life hack 2: Aloe vera compress
Aloe vera has strong antibacterial properties. To prepare the mixture, use a spoon to remove the pulp from the leaf and apply to your face, covering with film. This compress will not only cleanse the pores, but also saturate the skin with vitamins.
Compresses to tighten pores
Life hack 3: Parsley compress
Parsley is famous for its ability to regulate sebum production; when applied topically, it tightens pores, removes toxins and lightens acne marks. For the compress, finely chop fresh parsley and squeeze lightly until the juice appears. Apply the resulting paste to your face and leave for 20 minutes.
Life hack 4: Herbal tonic
Chamomile, calendula and St. John's wort, which you can prepare yourself or buy at the pharmacy, help narrow pores. Make an infusion of these herbs by taking 2 tablespoons of each and pouring 0.5 liters of boiling water over them. In just an hour, the herbal tonic will be ready for use. Wipe your face morning and evening before moisturizing, and store the product in the refrigerator.
Ice cubes and contrast shower
Cold causes pores to narrow. That is why all procedures with cryo-elements are very effective in combating enlarged pores on the face.
A contrast shower is ideal for regular morning washing, as a sharp change in temperature stimulates the removal of subcutaneous fat, which can be washed off immediately.
Ice cubes made from pure water and the herbal infusions listed above significantly reduce sebum production and tighten pores. The skin is tightened and acquires a healthy and even tone.
How to deal with the problem
Most often, this problem concerns owners of oily dermis. The urgency of this problem will be reduced by eliminating the main causes of dilation of the ducts.
One of these ways is to incorporate the basic principles of a healthy lifestyle into your daily routine. You should balance your diet by reducing the content of sugar, saturated fat, simple carbohydrates and spicy foods.
Equally important is regular care, including:
- daily cleansing;
- weekly scrubbing (2 times every 7-8 days);
- monthly peeling (1-2 times a month).
“Cleaning” dirt from the pores helps prevent inflammation. Masks can only be applied to cleansed dermis, otherwise they will simply be ineffective.
After deep cleaning, the effect of masks to narrow pores will be most productive. Those with dry skin are unlikely to benefit from this type of care. For them, it is preferable to choose cosmetics that do not dry out, but rather moisturize the dermis.
Masks for narrowing pores can have a number of additional effects:
- tightening;
- cleansing;
- nutritious;
- calming.
It is also worth reviewing the contents of your cosmetics bag, leaving only natural or safe decorative cosmetics for the face. A course of vitamins for skin and hair won’t hurt either.
Review of cosmetics
When choosing a skin care product for enlarged pores in stores or pharmacies, give preference to trusted manufacturers.
This could be natural cosmetics without chemical surfactants, it could be professional medicinal products developed specifically for a given problem, or you could also choose well-known and proven mass market brands.
Ready-made gels, tonics and lotions
Lotions and tonics to tighten pores
- Facial lotion with aloe gel AHA! Revolution Face Lotion from MIXIT . The combination of aloe vera, chamomile, licorice and glycolic acid extracts controls sebum production and evens out the skin.
- Effaclar Physiological sooting toner from La Roche-Posay. Tonic for oily problem skin delicately cleanses the skin, eliminates oily shine and tightens pores. Does not contain parabens.
- Pure Cleansing Gel from Nu Skin . The gel based on glycerin and plant extracts does not contain soap and does not dry out the skin, is effective for deep cleansing of the skin, and helps normalize the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
Cosmetic masks
Cosmetic masks to tighten pores
- Charcoal rubber mask from Sephora . The charcoal mask from the collection of alginate face masks is made in powder form. Effectively fights impurities and improves complexion.
- Egg Pore Tightening Cooling Pack from TONY MOLY . Mask for deep and gentle cleansing of pores from impurities with cooling and moisturizing effects.
- Porcelain mask from Christina . A professional moisturizing mask with natural porcelain microelements gently cleanses and tones the skin. Available in both powder and finished form.
Scrubs and peelings
Cosmetic scrubs to tighten pores
- Scrub-mask “Beldi” with eucalyptus from Spivak . Provides deep cleansing of the skin and helps tighten pores. Does not contain parabens.
- Active scrub Clean skin from Garnier . Specially designed for oily skin, the scrub with salicylic acid and charcoal ensures deep penetration into the pores and removes impurities and excess sebum. Eliminates oily shine and does not injure the skin thanks to soft microgranules.
- Pore Minimizer Thermal-Active Skin Refine by CLINIQUE.
Peeling scrub for tightening pores with a thermal effect, suitable for occasional use. Warming allows you to thoroughly cleanse the skin and pores of impurities, but can also cause allergic reactions.
Crema
Cosmetic creams for narrowing pores
Creams for oily skin should be light in texture and contain water in the base. This minimizes the risk of pore clogging.
- Bioderma Sebium Pore Refiner . Hypoallergenic cream concentrate for narrowing pores has a healing effect on the skin, not only cleansing it, but also disinfecting and mattifying it. Dense and at the same time light in consistency.
- Hydra Life Fresh Reviver Sorbet Water Mist by Dior . A completely weightless hydrating sorbet mist with vitamin C that energizes skin without weighing it down. Suitable for use as a stand-alone product or as a makeup fixing spray.
- Bio-cream Optima from ChocoLatte . A natural cream for oily and combination skin that regulates sebum production and evens out skin tone. Lightweight and fast penetrating.
Rules for using masks
To achieve the best effect, before using masks, you must familiarize yourself with the rules for their use:
Scheme for correct application of masks
- The product is applied only to cleansed dermis (lotion, tonic, scrub).
- The mask is applied in a top-down direction.
- This type of care is used no more than 2-3 times a week.
- You can wash off the paste only with warm water. You can use a decoction of chamomile or other calming herbs.
- The final stage is hydration.
There are no contraindications as such for homemade masks for narrowing pores. However, an allergic reaction may occur to certain components.
Tips from cosmetologists
Regardless of the chosen method of solving the problem, it is recommended to adhere to the rules of using natural cosmetics. Correct use of cosmetics guarantees a positive effect - narrowing of pores.
- Before using an industrial product, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the composition of the ingredients. Some natural elements can cause redness, itching, and dry skin.
- It is recommended to use a mask that narrows pores, taking into account the individual characteristics of the epidermis and the presence of contraindications.
- To remove mask remnants, cosmetologists advise using infusions based on medicinal herbs. You can replace the broth with water, after boiling it for five minutes.
- For safety, it is recommended to use a solution to remove the mask at a temperature of no more than 250C.
- After completing the cleansing procedure and tightening the pores, it is recommended to apply a moisturizer to the face.
Results
- Enlarged pores are a problem that most often plagues those with oily skin.
- The causes of this problem can be a lot of factors: from ecology to heredity.
- A mask to tighten pores can be easily made at home.
- It has minimal contraindications, consisting of individual intolerance to individual components.
- The care product can only be applied to previously cleansed skin.
- Owners of dry dermis should use such masks with caution.
Medical preparations for making masks
Acetylsalicylic acid
Aspirin is used at elevated temperatures as a pain reliever. Acetylsalicylic acid can also be used as the main ingredient in preparing a mask for skin with wide pores.
Who should not use masks with aspirin?
- During pregnancy, breastfeeding.
- Individual intolerance.
- Microcracks in facial skin.
- With excessive peeling of the top layer of skin.
- Respiratory tract diseases.
Acetylsalicylic acid should not be used after sunbathing.
The nuances of preparing a mask:
- Tablet forms of the drug are used as the main ingredient.
- The effect of the medication occurs within three hours after applying the mask.
- Acetylsalicylic acid enhances the effects of sunlight. After using a mask with aspirin in the summer, it is recommended to apply sunscreen.
- When using aspirin in a course, it is recommended to adjust the composition before each use.
How to cook:
- Acetylsalicylic acid – two tablets
- Sea salt without additives – 30 g
- Flower honey – 15 g
Mix the ingredients and immediately apply to the surface of the skin. Use your fingers to make several massage movements without touching the skin around the eyes. After a few minutes, remove any remaining product with boiled water.
How to get rid of blackheads using activated carbon
Attention: it is strictly forbidden to use charcoal after mechanical cleansing of the face!
Technique for preparing and applying cosmetics:
- Grind five charcoal tablets in a glass container to a powdery state.
- Add warm milk to the coal.
- Stir the mixture until it becomes a homogeneous thick paste.
- Apply a charcoal mask to steamed skin.
- Use your fingers to massage your forehead, cheeks, and chin.
- Leave the product on for fifteen minutes
- Wash off the mask as usual.
Anti-acne mask for all skin types VICosmetics “Super cleansing and tightening of pores”
After the first application, a significant part of the acne is removed, and the rate of pore clogging slows down. Over time, comedones disappear. The active substances form small bubbles that absorb dead skin cells and excess sebum. The mask quickly removes acne and blackheads, relieves irritation and visible redness, restores skin texture, makes it pleasant to the touch, with a healthy matte tint. The mask can be used for normal, oily and combination skin types; it is only important to maintain the proportions when mixing the powder with water.
The compression feature of alginates, which are included in the composition, promotes cleansing from the inside and nutrition. Thanks to the active action of carbons, aging slows down and metabolism accelerates.
It also contains cloves, vanilla and coriander. They return blush and restore natural cellular respiration.
What effect can be observed after 10 applications?
- The skin takes on a healthy tone.
- Acne and comedones disappear and leave no traces.
- Pores are narrowed and brightened.
- The skin is nourished with beneficial components and acquires a silky, matte texture.
Price: from 386 rubles.
How to avoid mistakes when cleansing pores
Improper care leads to deterioration of skin condition, cosmetic and dermatological problems. To avoid them, you should:
- use cleansers no more than 2 times a week;
- apply masks with a special brush or spatula only to clean skin;
- avoid getting the mixture on the area around the eyes;
- keep cosmetics on your face for 10-30 minutes;
- refrain from talking during the procedure;
- Wash off the mask only with cool herbal decoction or water.
Cleansing cosmetics often contain products with fruit acids. They are irritating, so you should avoid these masks if you have:
- telangiectasia;
- relapse of eczema;
- scaly lichen;
- atopic dermatitis;
- abrasions and scratches on the face;
- trophic ulcers.
Before removing dirt from your pores using home remedies, an allergy test is performed. Apply a small amount of the mixture to the wrist or back of the elbow. If no rashes or red spots appear on the skin within 1 hour, the mask can be used for its intended purpose.
A cleansing mask is the best prevention of open and closed comedones and inflammatory acne. Such cosmetics dissolve fats, which leads to thinning of the lipid layer on the face. Therefore, cleaning is performed no more than 2 times a week, and after the procedure, be sure to use moisturizing serums or creams.
Features of choosing masks for porous facial skin
Mask mixtures for enlarged pores on the skin have one main task - to cleanse and tighten the pores. Typically, products containing mineral clay, which has good absorbent (absorbent) properties, are used for this purpose. Clay not only removes dirt from enlarged pores, but also dries out oily epidermis.
How to prepare your face for applying a mask
The effectiveness of masks for narrowing pores depends on the correct preparation for the procedure. To achieve the desired result, you need:
- remove decorative cosmetics with makeup remover;
- use scrubbing gels for washing;
- blot your face with a clean towel;
- steam the skin over hot steam.
During preparation, you cleanse the epidermis of excess sebum, dead cells and dirt.
Thanks to this, the beneficial substances of the mask are better absorbed into the deep layers of the dermis. Before the procedure, wash with warm, not hot or cold water. Twice a week after waking up, use scrub masks or peeling creams. They cleanse the pores of sebaceous plugs, which prevents the formation of blackheads (comedones) and inflammation of the hair follicles.
Reviews of skin care masks
I have been fighting enlarged pores for many years now. I tried a huge number of products. And now I have found the ideal mask for cleansing and tightening pores. Gelatin with milk just perfectly copes with these problems in two ways. After the mask, the face becomes clean and fresh. Be sure to apply your regular moisturizer.
Asya
I really like the effect of egg white on the skin. I just use it without lemon. And if there is no time to fully make a mask, then I use the remains of the protein on the shell during the cooking process. It seems to me that the protein works 100%.
Olga
I love making masks with clay. I use everything: white, blue, pink, green. It perfectly cleanses the skin and tightens pores, and white even helps remove blackheads. The only thing I don’t use is black clay, because, on the contrary, pimples appear on it.
Lena
Originally posted 2018-03-18 05:04:08.
Skin care rules
Most causes can be dealt with quickly, but careful skin care is still necessary. Therefore, for the epidermis with enlarged pores, there are its own rules for complete care. The main condition for good care of such skin is to prevent inflammation. Therefore, the following manipulations are used as preventive measures:
- regular cleansing and use of non-traumatic peeling every other day;
- complete make-up removal every evening;
- Use warm or cool water to wash your face; do not steam such skin;
- Ice cubes that can be used to wipe your face can be an excellent help for tightening pores;
- To improve skin quality, you should also use cosmetics with zinc.
Masks for problematic types of epidermis
Problematic skin is difficult to care for due to the affected upper layer of the dermis. A good face mask in simple home conditions for very oily skin with imperfections should contain healing and epidermis-regenerating components, moisturizing and anti-inflammatory substances.
Soothing mask
This mask composition is suitable for oily skin with rashes and inflammatory elements. You will need the following list of components:
- Natural thick yogurt - 2 tbsp.
- Potato starch - 1/2 tbsp.
- Milk - 1 tbsp.
Preparation: Mix yogurt with starch. Bring the mixture to the desired consistency with milk and leave for a couple of minutes to swell.
Method of application: Apply the resulting mass to warm skin after a shower. Wash off after fifteen minutes with a cool chamomile scent.
Drying mask with aloe
This type of mask calms inflammation well, removes excess fat from the surface of the epidermis, qualitatively enhances skin regeneration and stimulates the healing of rashes. To prepare it you need:
- Lemon juice - 1 tsp.
- Aloe juice - 1 tbsp.
- Protein - 1 pc.
Preparation: Beat the egg white into a strong foam and combine with squeezed lemon juice. Add aloe juice or concentrate, kept in the cold for at least two weeks.
Method of application: Apply the mask to pimples and comedones, leave for a full quarter of an hour. Rinse off with a soothing decoction of string or chamomile using a cotton pad.
Mask for porous, inflamed skin
This composition tightens pores well, soothes rashes and prevents the appearance of new inflammations. The components of the product nourish the skin, dry out inflammation and perfectly remove white spots and blackheads from the pore cavity. For the mask you need to prepare:
- Brown bread crumb
- Spoiled milk
Preparation: Soak a small amount of bread in milk and crush into a paste. Apply a generous layer of the mask to the skin. Wash off after a quarter of an hour with cool water.
Conclusion
If you use masks according to the instructions and recommendations, you can achieve the most positive results:
- Noticeable reduction of blackheads;
- Improving the appearance of the skin;
- Elimination of inflammation;
- No acne or pimples;
- Tightening of shallow wrinkles;
- Evening out complexion.
Important! Narrowing masks are suitable for the fair sex of any age, so you can use them without restrictions.